You’ve asked we do more of these, despite samples being a hot topic at Dramface. Well this time it’s sample-debutant Charlie’s turn with a set of minis from the Decadent Drinks June outturn. How will he get on?

Were old blends better? Ainsley snags an old export blend and compares it to five contemporary scotch blends available to him in France. The results are revealing. It does not go well.

The plastic stag of Dalmore 18yo is in the crosshairs as Charlie revisits an old friend, one from a time before he was sullied by ‘informed’ opinions, community ‘consensus’ and, well, possibly much better whiskies.

With three Longrow expressions as company, and in a reflective mood, Drummond looks back on his first days living in Scotland as an ex-pat American. He remembers one of his influential coaches in Scottish life - and whisky.

Hughie reignites an old flame - Kilchoman. Specifically their 100% Islay release. Despite the ‘monogamy’ of a single distillery and even a single expression, he still manages a little promiscuity by enjoying three at once.

Hamish has fallen down a Balmenach rabbit hole, which means he’s discovered a worm tub rabbit hole. Today, he shares four malts in a vertical line up looking into what the worm tub might be about.

After a positive introduction to Benrinnes through the Flora & Fauna in 2022, Ogilvie heads to his check-box auction haul to explore the distillery further. This time with ex-bourbon and Cadenheads.

Gilbert adds another Johnnie Walker to the collection and asks ‘what’s in a name?’ A lot, apparently, especially when you’re trying really hard to find the right one.

Broddy tries to break Dramface with an epic assessment of ten banging modern blends. He recruits some local pals and covers them all - blind. Think you’re only into malt? This one’s a cracker.

Springtime warmth draws Ramsay closer to brighter, fresher whiskies and - it seems - more local too. Ho dips into a local Coles Single Malt and wonders why his Welsh whisky has faltered?

Charlie digs out four somewhat forgotten blends from his cupboard to revisit them, all the while realising they all have a story - and a good reason for being there.

The Glen Scotia ‘disco cow’ releases have become legendary, but unfortunately for their inconsistency. Charlie harks back to his Campbeltown childhood and shares where this 21yo lies.

Fergus makes a case for the occasional entry-level bottle. Accepting his penchant for natural ‘enthusiast’ whiskies he find a comforting spot for an Aberlour 12 Double Cask, while watching 80’s movies, preferably.

While Innes gives a run through on some of the late 2024 Watt Whisky releases, Wally chimes in after catching the latest release from Blacksmith & Jones: a docuseries all about Indy Bottlers.

After a ‘day-off’ yesterday, due to our AWOL editor, Innes gets us back into things with a study of five different Glentauchers bottlings over four decades, including one that really shouldn’t exist…

Ainsley waves a flag for Japanese whisky, suggesting we place it on our radars once more, just don’t overpay & perhaps don’t start with this Tsunuki from Mars.

We all have our cask-type and profile preferences, but today Charlie argues the case for keeping your mind open with a Tamdhu Batch Strength and avoid getting caught out restricting yourself.

A memorable label was etched into Ogilvie’s mind & one day he finally found a St George’s Baller; an American ode to Japanese whisky. Therein he discovers one of his most challenging pours he’s ever tried.

Fergie evaluates the risks in paying considerably more for small-scale ‘artisanal’ products. In doing so he compares a recently acquired Daftmill to his beloved custom-made Dobro.

Broddy discovers a nearby Canadian distillery doing everything all the right way, with local ingredients and an ingenious still set up. He dives in with both feet, buying four bottles at once. How does he fare?